How important is politics?

[senseandsensibility]

I grew up in a far right wing family. My mom had Richard Nixon kiss my brother when he was a baby and appeared locally. She is still proud of that. Both of my parents and my brother are dittoheads, love Anne Coulter, and (I assume) Sarah Palin. Actually, I am not sure about the Palin part, since we stopped discussing politics a few years ago. But knowing them as I do, they are BIIIIIG Sarah fans.
This situation is more difficult than some would think. Obviously, their politics are wrong headed, and they are being manipulated. But my parents are good people. They are working class, honest, and responsible. I love them. Many of the attributes that I am the most proud of are a result of their influence.
Still, they and their ilk are ruining this country. I will love them and respect them as long as I am alive and able to do so. But I am so envious of others who can experience a truly rich and open relationship with their parents.
Heck....I'd even be happy with Joe Liebermanesque relatives.
:*

[MercutioATC]

1. As important as one chooses to make it.

That's the bottom-line answer.

[senseandsensibility]

18. Your economy

with words is appreciated. And I am not being sarcastic.

[MercutioATC]

19. I have a few right-wing relatives that I sincerely care about.

Not to diminish the importance of where our country is headed, family is family. Given the choice, I'll choose family.


It's all where one's priorities lie.


(and thank you for appreciating what many would have taken as an off-the-cuff comment)

[provis99]

2. political views link to your worldview, morality, and general outlook on people.

So yes, I'd say their pretty important.

[senseandsensibility]

4. They are very important

as you say. The fact that rightwing propaganda influences so many people against their own best interests is a travesty.

[NanceGreggs]

3. This is an incredibly moving post ...

... and I thank you for sharing it.

"I love them."

Nothing else will ever be quite as important as that - no, not even politics.

[senseandsensibility]

7. Thanks, Nance.

Coming from you, that means a lot.

[NanceGreggs]

12. "I love them" ...

... coming from a child to her parents, that means a lot.

In fact, I can't quite seem to remember what might mean more.

Good parents tend to raise loving children - and vice versa.

So raise them up when you can - appreciative of the way they raised you.

They obviously did something very right along the way ...

[senseandsensibility]

15. You're right

"I love them" is the bottom line. And they were great parents. By the way, I'm glad you're back, Nance. :hi:

[NanceGreggs]

Thanks!

If nothing else, your post tonight was more than worth coming back for.

Thank you.

[leftstreet]

5. That's not 'politics,' that's celebrity

If they're 'working class, honest and responsible' their politics are probably not as bad as you might think.

[senseandsensibility]

6. I'm well aware of their politics

They are exactly as I stated above.

[KonaKane]

8. Sounds exactly like my folks.

And now filtering down to my baby brother. It's really awfull to watch, at some point you have to ignore it. Even then it's really tough to have a normal family relationship when you know those views are always "down there".

[senseandsensibility]

16. It is awful to watch.

The worst part is when you realize that changing their minds is just not going to happen, EVER. I guess I'm in the acceptance stage now.

[Jamastiene]

9. Actually, I'd be happier with actual out and out Republican relatives,

which I do have, than with Liebermanesque relatives, which I do have too. Why? Because out and out Republican relatives are in the party where they belong and do not try to pretend that are anything else. Oddly enough, I get along best with my more liberal Democratic Party relatives and can at least stand my Republican relatives, but those Liebermanesque types are the ones I cannot trust and cannot stand being around...for that reason. You can't trust them.

[senseandsensibility]

11. Somehow

my hubby and I ended up as "far left" Dems. Don't know how. Of course, in Europe, we would be considered middle of the road. But we both come from far rightwing backgrounds. Between us, we have no relatives farther left than Cheney. It used to be funny, but that wore off a while ago.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

10. My life long friend and I parted ways a few years ago...

Politics intermingled with how we live our lives and soon judgments and animosity
and a great deal of pride took it's toll. I miss her something awful and I know she
misses me, but after awhile it becomes the big ole elephant in the living room. It's
a huge price to pay. Try to avoid it if you can.

[senseandsensibility]

14. You seem to understand

I'm sorry your friend and you had to separate. With parents, it's different and the option of separation is not even there. But still, it's painful to realize that someone you respect so much is basically brainwashed. I hope your friend and you can eventually reconcile.

[KingFlorez]

13. I can understand that

Fortunately, my whole family leans left, I don't think I could take it if they were hardcore right-wingers. Politics can cause somewhat of a disconnect for some.

[senseandsensibility]

17. I'm jealous that your whole family leans left

but thanks for understanding. I find that many of my progressive friends can't understand at all.

[Jennicut]

20. I have parents exactly like that. Very conservative, loved Bush, love Rush and Palin.

I love my parents and they have taught me some good values but there are many things we totally disagree about. We have had nasty fights over the years but I think my parents realize that because I am in my 30's, have two kids, a husband, and my own house that I am totally grown up and have made up my own mind. They don't press me on politics anymore. I am a liberal and I am not changing. We simply agree to disagree these days.

[senseandsensibility]

21. I've reached that stage too

and I think they have, as well. But somehow, I find it so unsatisfying. Is that my immaturity speaking?

[Jennicut]

23. Nope, it is fustration that they just don't understand and get "it".

I am 34 and STILL frustrated by them but at this point they are not going to change (they are both 62 and beyond stubborn) and I sure as hell am never going to stop being a liberal so we have a truce. I guess it is the best we can do.

[Cant trust em]

22. How important are politics in what respect? In interpersonal relationships, or the world as a whole

To the former, not very much. To the latter, very much so.